Sermons

The Secret of Lasting Joy

THE PSALMS OF SUMMER “The Secret of Lasting Joy”

Pastor Scott Oas | 07.03.16

PSALMS 1

WHERE DOES JOY LAND?

“Blessed is the one…” - Psalms 1:1 (NIV)

SIDESTEPPING THE ENEMY OF JOY CYNICISM

“who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” - Psalm 1:1-2 (NIV)

Ungodly = “wicked” those with no dependence upon God. Sinner = those living by the wrong values and goals. Scoffers = those whose pride puts themselves above God.

GOD’S AMAZING ALTERNATIVE

“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers”.- Psalms 1:3 (NIV)

Contending with Cynicism

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” - Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

GOING DEEPER

SCRIPTURE READING: Psalm 1

GETTING STARTED: What is your favorite dessert? What is it about this dessert that makes it so great?

A CLOSER LOOK:

Read Psalm 1As a group, read Psalm 1. Make a list of things that a "blessed" person will do, and a list of the things a "wicked" person will do.

Verse one encourages us to avoid the "counsel" of the wicked. How would you describe the counsel we receive from the culture around us?

How can someone avoid "walking in the counsel of the wicked?"

How do you think a Christian can avoid standing in the way of sinners and sitting in the seat of mockers, but still be a witness for Jesus in the world? Read Matthew 5:14-16 and 1 Peter 2:11-12. How do these passages relate to this question?

Read Psalm 1:2-3. What do you think about when you hear the word "delight"? What are the delights in your life?

Describe what it would look like if the Word of God was the delight of your life.

What is the fruit that results from meditating on God's Word?

Read verses 4-6. What are the characteristics of chaff? What is the destiny of the wicked as described in v. 5-6?

DIGGING DEEPER:

How should your relationship with the Word of God impact your relationships with other people?

After looking at this Psalm, what is one specific action you need to take regarding your relationship to the Word of God?